Emma Kate Fittes
As Marion County school districts try to staff summer classrooms after a stressful school year, some are luring teachers by raising pay.
Indiana lawmakers added $1.9 billion to school funding, which will help raise teacher pay and also expand private-school voucher for middle-class families
Within the first week of reopening schools, Indiana districts saw several COVID-19 cases — which raises an important question about liability.
State Superintendent Jennifer McCormick addressed the media Thursday by video to answer some of the biggest questions about Indiana schools reopening.
Indiana Health Commissioner Kristina Box said it’s impossible to keep COVID-19 out of the state’s schools as they reopen — but that doesn’t necessarily mean they should close their doors again.
Indiana’s American Federation of Teachers says it supports the national union’s resolution that calls on members to use “every action and tool available” to ensure schools reopen safely, including strikes.
The vast variation of what remote learning in Indiana will look like will further widen the gaps in educational equity, allowing some to speed along while others fall behind.
As districts plowed forward with reopening plans, administrators across the state saw a surge in interest in virtual education.
The new requirement, announced by Gov. Eric Holcomb on Wednesday, is part of a larger statewide mandate.
Wayne Township schools, with about 17,000 students, will give families the option to enroll children full time in person or to sign up for virtual education. Students were originally scheduled to return July 29.
In the past week a growing number of Indianapolis districts have reconsidered their reopening plans, with a handful deciding to push the start of the school year back.
Holcomb and state lawmakers have agreed to maintain school funding levels, even in the wake of significant revenue shortfalls.
Some parents want schools to conduct regular coronavirus screenings for students and staff when they reopen. But working out logistics and cost will be a challenge.
School district leaders are being pointed toward local health departments for help with reopening plans.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb reiterated Friday that he believes schools can safely reopen for the upcoming school year.